What is Nattokinase – and How Does It Support Cardiovascular Health?*

If you’ve ever browsed our enzyme formulas and wondered, “What is nattokinase?” you’re not alone. This systemic enzyme, derived from fermented soybeans known as natto, has gained attention for its unique role in supporting cardiovascular health and healthy circulation.* With a remarkable origin story, nattokinase works by helping the body maintain normal fibrin levels already within a healthy range, promoting healthy blood flow.* 

As we age, maintaining healthy circulation becomes increasingly important for overall wellness. Backed by decades of research, nattokinase stands out for its targeted support of heart and vascular health.* 

Read on to learn more about healthy blood flow, the support that nattokinase offers and the Enzymedica formula that uses a unique form to support cardiovascular health.*

How Blood Flows and Clots

Before we get into nattokinase and how it can support blood flow naturally, let’s first talk about our circulatory systems. In our bodies, blood flows constantly. It flows toward the heart with the help of veins and then back away from the heart with the help of arteries. It’s a process we don’t have to think about, since it happens 24/7 behind the scenes. But what about when we cut ourselves by chopping an onion or trip over a rock and skin our knees while running? When we start to bleed, the body needs a way to stop the flow.

That’s where clotting comes in. A series of reactions take place in the bloodstream. Platelets spring to action, sticking to each other and vessel walls to create a plug at the site. From there, different proteins known as clotting factors get the signal that it’s time to get to work. They create a substance called fibrin, which creates long strands that form a net for platelets and other cells. The clot that forms and this coagulation process are how your body naturally controls bleeding.

Nattokinase Benefits for Cardiovascular Health*

Keeping fibrin in a normal, healthy range supports both circulation and cardiovascular health. Nattokinase has been found to break down and maintain healthy fibrin levels by producing plasmin, a proteolytic enzyme. Nattokinase benefits include supporting cardiovascular health, especially as we age.* Nattokinase has demonstrated a strong ability to support the body’s natural mechanisms involved in maintaining normal fibrin levels already within a healthy range.*

Its activity has been studied for its similarity to plasmin, an enzyme naturally produced by the body that plays a role in normal fibrin metabolism.* Nattokinase supports the body’s natural plasmin production pathways, helping maintain balanced blood flow and overall cardiovascular wellness.*

As a potent fibrinolytic enzyme, nattokinase helps promote healthy circulation and vascular function as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.*

Natto-K® Offers Natural Support for Optimal Circulation*

Enzymedica’s Natto-K® formula helps maintain normal levels of blood clotting factors already within a healthy range, and it promotes optimal circulation and cardiovascular health.*

By using nattokinase, Natto-K is able to promote optimal circulation and cardiovascular health.* Natto-K helps maintain normal levels of blood clotting factors already within a healthy range.* It also promotes optimal circulation and cardiovascular health.*

The enzymes in Natto-K include a specialized blend of nattokinase with NSK-SD®, the only form of nattokinase that doesn’t contain vitamin K2, enhancing the body’s ability to regulate fibrin levels.* This vitamin K2-free form of nattokinase is designed for those seeking circulation support without added vitamin K (which naturally plays a role in blood clotting).*

How a Researcher’s Lunch Led to a Remarkable Discovery

Browse the menu at a Japanese restaurant and you may see natto, a type of fermented soybean that has a surprising aroma and interesting consistency. These sticky, stringy soybeans have a pungent smell, similar to a ripe French cheese. A traditional Japanese food that dates back centuries, natto has a nutty taste that grows on you. More importantly, these little beans have an impressive resume.

The process of fermenting soybeans into natto creates nattokinase, an enzyme that supports cardiovascular health.* Today, nattokinase is derived from the beneficial bacteria Bacillus subtilis.

Back in 1980, an expert enzyme researcher for the Japan Ministry of Education took some natto to his laboratory, according to the Japanese Functional Food Research Association. He decided to add natto from his lunch to a lab dish instead of the usual enzyme. To his surprise, the natto seemed to contain a substance that exhibited strong fibrinolytic activity, meaning it could break down fibrin. It was later named nattokinase after showing “a potency matched by no other enzyme” – even after testing over 200 global foods.   

Since then, science has continued to show that nattokinase works by enhancing the body’s ability to produce plasmin, which breaks down and helps the body regulate fibrin.*